Rafters win over Rivets in extras, extend division lead

LOVES PARK, Ill - Wisconsin Rapids was able to earn a 5-4 extra inning victory over Rockford at Rockford Stadium in a Northwoods League game Friday.

After trailing 4-0 and getting shut down by Rockford starter Tyler Thornton, the Rafters were able to tie things up with a four-run seventh inning against the bullpen.

Rob Calabrese drove in Ben Fisher on a sacrifice fly to tally the first run for the Rafters. Demetrius Sims then followed with a two-RBI triple to bring the Rafters within a run. However, an error by the Rockford shortstop allowed Sims to score an unearned run to tie the game at 4-4.

After three straight scoreless innings, the Rafters took the lead in the top of the 11th on a Calabrese RBI single that drove in Logan Mattix. Garrett Schilling shut the door in the bottom of the inning to earn his seventh save of the season.

Cameron Busby earned the win for the Rafters, pitching six innings in relief. Busby allowed three hits, two walks and one run.

Patrick Cromwell led the team with three hits while Mattix added two hits after coming into the game in the seventh inning as a pinch runner.

The win propels the Rafters to 15-8 overall on the season, which is good enough for a game and a half lead over Madison in the South Division. Rapids will start a four-game road stint with a battle against Lakeshore Saturday. First pitch from Kapco Park will be at 6:35 p.m.

LEGION BASEBALL

Marathon 4, Medford 1

MARATHON - The Marathon Legion baseball team was able to earn a tight win over the Medford Junior Legion team, relying on the pitching duo of Riley Anderson and Hunter Schara.

Anderson started the game and went the first five innings. He allowed just three hits, while striking out three to pick up the win. Schara picked up the save while tossing the final two innings. He struck out four in his time on the hill.

Landen Williamson and Myles Williamson each contributed a pair of hits at the plate to help Marathon improve to 8-8 overall.